Time to Chop Some Logs!

Written by: Pastor Andrew Starr

Conner and Kiana are quite the duo; they do everything together. Conner is more of the ringleader since he is older, and Kiana is just content to follow along with his devious plans at times. 

One afternoon I heard a crash in the other room. I ran in to find one of our shelves on the ground with all of it's contents sprawled out on the floor. I looked at the kids, who all of a sudden looked like two angels investigating a crime scene.

I quickly assessed the situation and came to the conclusion that the kids were jumping off the back of the couch and landing on the cushions they had placed on the floor. During this episode of Summer Starr Olympics, one of them had knocked into the shelving unit on one of their "perfect" high dives. 

I questioned Conner first, "What happened?" 

Conner responded, "It was Kiana, she...." 

Aren't we so quick to see faults in other people? I mean it is so obvious when someone else is not living the way a Christian should. It is a dead giveaway when someone has a poor attitude. Our response many times is to jump all over that person. 

I have heard it said, and many times this is the case:

"The issue you have with someone else, is potentially the issue you yourself struggle with." 

Sometimes other people's problems are so clear to us because it is too close to home.

Can I remind you of the simple truth that Christ reminded the disciples during the sermon on the mount? 

Luke 6:42 ...how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thin own eye?... 

Teens, we must be hard on ourselves before we can be a help to others. 

Notice that again with me...if you are to be hard on anyone, it should be yourself. Be honest with yourself before a holy God. Be like the psalmist and say, "search ME O God."

We don't pray, "search others." Our prayer should be for God to search our hearts.

Then when that is accomplished and you realize your faults, then take time to help those that are struggling in life. You may be able to be a massive help to someone who is struggling.

Remember, the goal is not to bash others...it is to help them become more like Christ.

So this week, when you see a fault in others, do two things:

1. Examine your own heart

2. Engage by helping...not bashing.

May God give to us His heart for others!